Stamps are the story of us, and what a powerful story they each tell. America's greatest people, places and moments are memorialized here, honored in the art and story of limited edition stamps.Here, Heritage is our Hero™.

Unbought & Unbossed

That was the slogan of maverick politician Shirley Chisholm, who shattered barriers, spoke her mind, stood up for the disadvantaged, and in 1968 became the first black woman ever elected to Congress. In 1972, she scored another historic first when she declared her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President.

First day of issue: January 31, 2014 Brooklyn, NY

The U.S. Postal Service honors her with a Forever® stamp. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price which is $0.49.

Somebody Had to Do It First

Shirley Chisholm once said of her unsuccessful presidential bid, "I ran because somebody had to do it first." The 37th stamp in the Black Heritage series features a painting of Chisholm by artist Robert Shetterly. The compelling portrait is taken from a series of paintings titled "Americans Who Tell the Truth." Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

Black Heritage & Civil Rights Stamps

Recent stamps in the Black Heritage series have celebrated distinguished African-American leaders, activists, and culture-shapers, while last year’s civil rights set honored important people and milestones in the civil rights movement.